UPDATE 4/13/16: The general assembly of the California Teachers Association voted on Sunday, April 10 to support legislation by Senator Ben Allen (D-Los Angeles) that would create teaching credentials in the subjects of Dance and Theatre. Due to the dedicated advocacy of dance and theatre teachers, as well as colleagues from other disciplines, one of the historic barriers to establishing the credentials has been removed. Our advocacy campaign continues after the bill is heard in the Senate Education Committee on April 20.

On January 27, 2016, Senator Ben Allen held a press conference to announce the introduction of SB 916, the Theatre and Dance Act (TADA!), legislation that would establish dance and theatre credentials in California. California is one of only two states in the country without dance or theatre credentials. Read what the bill says here.

Annette Bening at the California Arts Council 40th Anniversary Celebration speaking on SB 916 (Allen), the Theatre and Dance Act

To uphold the values of equity, access and opportunity for all students in all core subject areas, it is critical to establish discrete paths to credentials in dance and theatre. Students deserve the opportunity for a rigorous, standards-based education with qualified and trained teachers in all core subjects. In the current educational landscape, the arts are uniquely positioned to support critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity underlying the Common Core State Standards. A convergence of state and national circumstances opens a window of opportunity since the 1970s to make real progress in reinstating single subject dance and theatre credentials. In the coming months we will be calling on your support to advocate for the passage of this legislation.

RESOURCES

Template Letter for teachers and CTA members to support SB 916

• Archive of Getting to TADA! A Webinar for Teachers in Support of SB 916, the Theatre and Dance Act. Slides.

Fact Sheet by bill's authors

Subscribe to ArtsEdMail for updates and look for Action Alerts targeting your elected officials.

Follow Legislative Updates.

Read our Letter of Support, and a Joint Letter of Support in partnership with other advocacy organizations.